Jose Mourinho was Real Madrid’s first big ‘signing’ of the summer after the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa, and last night he became the first of the new arrivals to be presented.
The manager was presented to the fans in a closed-door event with little media coverage and was only accompanied by Florentino Perez for the ceremony.
After all, the presentation was only a formality and the manager had already been working with the first team for over a month at this point. In fact, he is set to take the sidelines for Real Madrid’s league curtain raiser in just a matter of days.
Mourinho speaks on his Real Madrid mission
In a recent interview with El Chiringuito, the new Real Madrid manager opened up in depth about his return to the club, the players in his squad and the season ahead. He began by explaining how special it was for him to return to the managerial post at Real Madrid.
“I come with everything. With the love Real Madrid awakens in me and the responsibility it demands. With the excitement of a child who has won nothing.”
He was then asked what he demanded of his players as a manager, to which he bluntly said,
“Common sense. Be here an hour before training, not five minutes. Eat breakfast properly. Go to the gym.”
Speaking about his managerial style, Mourinho admitted that he was a ruthless and demanding coach who was defined by aggression.
“I haven’t had a single chance to be the aggressive leader I can be, and that’s part of my DNA.”
Jose Mourinho is a demanding coach. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
“The players have protected me from that version because their behaviour has been impeccable,” he added.
Concurrently, however, he also opened up and admitted to the human side of him, which has developed and changed over the years.
“How have I changed? I’m much more mature, less emotional, and more controlled. Always learning from mistakes, but without regrets.”
Finally, he confirmed that he required no more signings and that he is satisfied with the players he currently has.
“Do I need more signings? No. I like this squad. We have solutions, quality, and players. I also believe I can improve players.”
On specific players
Mourinho was then asked to give his two cents on Kylian Mbappe and how the Frenchman is a very special player.
“He’s incredible. He makes me laugh in training because he’s too good. His level is stratospheric.
“Mbappé could have arrived on August 14, but he came on the 12th because he wanted to be ready to play against Schalke,” he added.
“He trains HARD, with the same commitment and desire as everyone,” he concluded on the player.
Mourinho had high praise for Mbappe. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
The manager then explained how Mbappe and Jude Bellingham’s recent World Cup campaigns compared to one another.
“Jude had an incredible World Cup, but Kylian made HISTORY. When you work with the best, within the team dynamics, they have to be themselves. We’re heading in the right direction.
“It’s not me, the fans or the President who are excited. It’s them [players].”
Finally, Mourinho spoke on Vinicius Jr. and admitted that he did have a role to play in the Brazilian’s renewal of his contract.
“He’s in love with Real Madrid. I told him: ‘Vini, where do you want to go?’. You only know Real Madrid. When you leave, then you’ll know what Real Madrid is. DON’T GO. It’s not worth it.'”
He was then asked if Vinicius was protected enough from the noise and criticism constantly around him, to which he said,
“No. They don’t respect him. Why whistle one of the best players in the world from his first touch when he has done nothing to you? Watching him play is a privilege.”
Staying on the topic of players and their form, Mourinho also used the chance to speak on his predecessors – Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
“Xabi and Álvaro paid the price last season, but winning or losing is multifactorial.
“I don’t accept the blame or praise going only to individuals. A lot of people failed. Not just coaches or players, people inside the club too,” he added.
On Barcelona-related topics
Finally, the new manager openly discussed Rodri, who was a top target for Real Madrid but officially signed for Barcelona yesterday.
Mourinho does not lament missing out on Rodri. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
“Rodri is an extraordinary player, but Real Madrid is a different dimension. Real Madrid cannot have players who think twice. You get the call and say: ‘When do you want me there?’
“Did I speak to Rodri? Yes, a couple of times. Real Madrid made him a generous offer. Rodri had doubts. His doubts created doubts in me,” he added.
Finally, he was asked about Barcelona’s Negreira scandal and whether he remembered any oddity from his previous stint at the club.
“When I was here, I could SMELL something.”